Do you know anything about Burma (Myanmar)? Sadly, most people don't. Here is the short version;
Over fifty years of civil war have left Burma one of the poorest countries in the world. The military dictatorship attacks its own people, killing thousands, and leaving millions displaced.
Many in opposition are either imprisoned or killed. In most of the country there is a false peace due to the dictators' ability to control dissent, however in some ethnic areas the Regime’s army is still attacking the people. There are over 1 million internally displaced people, and over 1 million refugees who have fled the country. There is continual environmental destruction, an HIV/AIDS epidemic, the ongoing laying of landmines, human trafficking and religious persecution. Because of the Regime’s mismanagement and corruption, it’s the world’s second largest opium producer and the main producer of methamphetamines in SE Asia. Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient and leader of the democracy movement, is repeatedly put under arrest.
The Regime’s army extends their control over the ethnic minorities by building roads and camps in ethnic homelands, forcing people to relocate or flee into the jungle. There is documented forced labor and the use of rape as a weapon. The Regime’s army lays landmines to keep villagers from returning home and supporting the resistance.
For a more in depth history of Burma, read the rest of the article here. It is a really tragic, disturbing situation that gets very little press. I would dare to say most people do not know about the situation.
There is something you and your children can do to help!! Christians Concerned for Burma operates out of Thailand and, among other things, has a Good Life Club in which they bring love, healthcare, songs, games and more to the families and children on the run, hiding in jungles in Burma. You can help your children put together small supply packs. The Kid's Pack should Include these items;
- small comb and a mirror
- 1 box of children's chewable vitamins
- 2 children's toothbrushes
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 small toy
- 1 picture of you (or your child)
- 1 postcard from your city or state with a Bible verse
You can also put together a Mom & Baby Pack including;
- small fingernail clippers
- multi-vitamins for mom
- pediatric vitamins (not needing refrigeration)
- 2 outfits for baby, including a cap, hand mittens, shirt (NOT a onesie) and socks
- 1 teether
- 1 picture of you
- 1 postcard from your city or state with a Bible verse
The items for one pack should be put in a sturdy large ziploc bag. Put in a standard gift sized box and mark "household/ personal goods" on the customs form. **CCB notes that the box coming from the USA should not exceed 79 inches in length/width/girth** Mark the package: GLC. Mail standard airmail to:
Christians Concerned for Burma (CCB)
Box 14 Mae Jo
Chiang Mai 50290
Thailand
This would make a great family or playdate activity!!
